8.00AM | Registration open & Networking Breakfast

Start the day with purpose – and pastries. This isn’t just small talk. It’s where bold ideas are sparked, allies are found, and unexpected collaborations begin. Great conversations often start with good coffee, so take a moment to connect with fellow attendees, high-profile speakers, and industry leaders, before we dive into a day of bold discussions and game-changing ideas.

8.30AM | Wake-Up Call: The Urgency of Equity in Leadership

As some of the world’s most powerful companies quietly retreat from DEI, we open the day with a powerful provocation: what’s at risk when equity is deprioritised – and what must we do to stop the backslide?
Two of the UK’s most fearless leaders speak candidly about what’s happening behind the scenes in business, what needs to happen next, and why leadership without inclusion is no leadership at all.
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Alex Mahon is the Chief Executive of Channel 4, a publicly owned and commercially funded public service media organisation that exist to represent, challenge and entertain with purpose. Under Alex’s leadership, Channel 4 has transformed into a digital-first public media company with the UK’s biggest free streaming service and one of the largest social media brands in the UK. During this period, Channel 4’s public ownership has been secured, its impact across the nations and regions has grown, and its investment in skills has opened up the sector to those aspiring to a career in television and film. Alex is a passionate supporter of equitable representation and is committed to championing women’s health at work and disability representation. Prior to Channel 4, she was CEO of software company Foundry and of the global TV producers Shine Group. Alex started her career as a PhD Physicist and is an enthusiast for the value of inter-disciplinary ideas having worked in science, technology and the arts. Alex is currently a member of the UK Creative Industries Council and an ambassador for London Tech Week. She is a Non-Executive Board Member of Chanel Inc.
Martha Lane Fox is President of the British Chambers of Commerce. She is a cross bench peer in the UK House of Lords and sits on multiple boards. She is a Non executive director of British Airways PLC and Chancellor of the Open University. She co-founded and chairs Lucky Voice. Martha was UK digital champion from 2009 to 2013 and helped create gov.uk. She co-founded lastminute.com in 1998.

9.00AM | The Rallying Cry: Why are we here?

Our co-founder and host sets the tone for the day - why this moment matters, what’s at stake, and how we rise to meet it together. Expect warmth, wisdom, and a challenge to act.
Mariella Frostrup is one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters and columnists. Her contribution to arts and literature along with her advocacy on gender and social issues have placed her at the forefront of the cultural landscape. She made the ground-breaking BBC1 documentary The Truth about Menopause and she currently presents her own daily show on Times Radio covering issues of the day.

9.10AM | Lessons Learned, Progress Stalled: Advancing Women to the CEO Role

More than a decade ago, the Davies Review set out to fix the lack of women in leadership. It gave birth to the FTSE Women Leaders Review, and sparked the 30% Club, which reshaped UK boardrooms. Today, women hold 42% of FTSE 350 board seats – but the job is far from done. Progress has stalled when it comes to women in CEO roles, with just nine women leading FTSE 100 companies today. Lord Davies and Pavita Cooper reflect on the lessons of the past decade – and lay out what it will take to finish the job. From targets to leadership accountability, this is a no-nonsense look at what works, what doesn’t, and what must change now.
Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch CBE Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch, CBE is a British former banker and was previously a Labour government minister. Prior to Government, he was a Director, Chief Executive and Chairman of Standard Chartered PLC for 12 years. Lord Davies is currently Chairman of LetterOne, a senior advisor to Teneo and Chair of the Advisory Board for Consello. He is Chairman of the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and Chairman of Glyndebourne Opera House. Further to this, Lord Davies is Chairman of Artfarm (Hauser & Wirth) and chairs a variety of private high-growth companies. Lord Davies was awarded a CBE for his services to the financial sector and the community in Hong Kong in June 2002 where he served as a member of the HK Exchange fund for seven years. Lord Davies is a JP in Hong Kong, and he is an Honorary Distinguished Professor at Cardiff Business School. Lord Davies is married with two children and is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Pavita is recognised as a leading culture and diversity expert; she has over 30 years’ experience as an executive culture leader across a range of global blue-chip organisations, including Shell, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group. Pavita has acted as an advisor to Boards, CEOs and executive teams across sectors that include financial services, energy, consumer and luxury goods.
Pavita is a passionate advocate and relentless campaigner for greater equity across business and society. She is a regular speaker and media contributor on improving representation across business.
Pavita is Chair of the 30 Percent Club UK, the oldest gender campaign in the UK. She is also at trustee of the King’s Trust and the Old Vic Theatre.
Pavita is a previous recipient of Woman of the Year at the Asian Business Awards; in 2025 she was listed in the Powerlist of the 100 most influential Asians in the UK.

10.50AM | Coffee & Networking Break

Refuel, reset, and keep the conversations going.

9.50AM | The View from the top: Leading as a woman — What we’ve learned and what needs to change

There’s no lack of ambition or capability. So why are women still missing from the top jobs?Join us as we explore the stubborn cultural and systemic barriers keeping women out of the C-suite (and the CEO role). What are the strategies that are opening doors? We’ll talk power, policy, sponsorship, and the myth of meritocracy.
Jo Farmer is Joint Managing Partner at Lewis Silkin, a leading UK law firm renowned for its work in the creative, media, and technology sectors. With over two decades of experience, she specialises in commercial and IP law, advising brand owners, content creators, and media platforms on advertising, sponsorship, talent agreements, and digital content regulation. Recognised as an Eminent Practitioner by Chambers UK and a leading lawyer by Legal 500, Jo is also a driving force behind the firm's innovation initiatives, including LS Assist, a fixed-fee service for routine commercial work. Beyond her legal practice, she is a vocal advocate for social mobility in the profession and balances her leadership role with family life in St Albans.
Karen Blackett OBE is a business leader with 25 years of experience in the marketing communications industry. As UK Country Manager for WPP, the global creative transformation company based in 112 countries, she oversees WPP’s second largest market and the 14,000 people working across its operating brands in the UK. She is Chairwoman of WPP’s MediaCom, the largest media agency in the UK with billings over £1.3 billion.
Karen was a DIT Business Ambassador for No.10, is one of four external advisors helping to diversify the Civil Service, and was appointed Race Equality Business Champion by the Prime Minister as part of the Race at Work Charter in October 2018, helping businesses address inequality at all levels.
Karen is also a non-executive for Creative England, The MOBO Trust and The Creative Industry Federation, and in November 2018 she became Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth.
Karen received an OBE in 2014 for services to media and communications, and in 2019 she was honoured by the professional body, IPA, in recognition of her outstanding services to the advertising industry.
Liz is the Global Head of Deal Advisory and a Vice Chair of the UK firm. She also leads the KPMG Global Life Sciences sector. Liz has spent the majority of her 18 year partner career advising clients across the Consumer, Retail and Life Sciences sectors on large, complex carve out transactions & transformations.
Liz is a dedicated leader, mentor and advocate for inclusion, diversity and equality and co-chair of the KPMG Senior Business Women’s Network.

11.50AM | Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Partnership

In this honest and refreshing conversation, we hear from a husband-and-wife duo who’ve navigated big jobs, entrepreneurship, busy lives, and parenting – side-by-side. They’ll reflect on what real allyship looks like, how they’ve challenged traditional gender roles, and the practical ways they’ve supported each other’s ambition over the years.
They’ll reveal what it really takes to make partnership work – at home and at work – and how we move beyond outdated expectations.
Debbie is a prolific angel investor and the co Chair of the U.K. government backed ‘Invest in Women Taskforce’. Appointed by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, she has raised an initial funding point of £250m to support female powered businesses, the largest in the world. She is the co-founder of WJV, the boutique investment and strategic innovation firm, championing diversity, wellness and economic empowerment and a Founding Advisor to Smart Society Ventures. Debbie is Executive Chair of The Better Menopause, empowering women's performance at midlife through science-backed products. She is a Non Executive Director of Channel 4 and a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company. She is the co- Author of the business bestseller ‘Believe, Build, Become - How to Supercharge your Career’ (Penguin 2019). Debbie is a Board Member of The Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board and The Women’s Prize for Fiction, where she Chairs the Development Board. She is a Former Evening Standard 'Entrepreneur of the Year’ and Author of the 'Wosskow Review on the Sharing Economy' for the UK government (2015) and former Chair of Sharing Economy UK. Debbie was awarded an OBE in June 2016 & received Freedom of the City of London 2019. She graduated with an MA in Philosophy and Theology from New College, Oxford
Tamara Heber-Percy and James Lohan are the co-founders of Mr & Mrs Smith, a boutique travel company renowned for its curated collection of luxury hotels. Their journey began in 2003 after a disappointing stay at a supposed boutique spa hotel in the Lake District, which turned out to be a health clinic. This experience inspired them to create a guidebook featuring handpicked romantic hotels, emphasizing genuine experiences over glossy marketing.
Initially, they self-published their guidebook, which sold 20,000 copies within two months, surpassing expectations. By 2005, recognizing the potential of the internet, they transitioned Mr & Mrs Smith into an online booking platform, maintaining their commitment to quality and personal recommendations.
Tamara, with a background in marketing, took on the role of Chief Technology Officer, while James, experienced in events and nightlife, focused on brand and marketing. Their combined expertise and shared passion for travel have been instrumental in building a trusted brand that resonates with discerning travelers worldwide.

10.20 | Making Work, Work for All: A Case Study

Inclusion isn’t a side project – it’s a commercial imperative. This session explores how progressive organisations are putting inclusion at the centre of their strategy. What happens when we stop treating it as charity, and start recognising it as business-critical?

11.10AM | Against the Grain: Redefining Leadership in Finance

Robyn Grew has shattered expectations as the first woman and openly gay CEO of Man Group, the world's largest publicly listed investment management business. A former criminal barrister turned finance leader; she has built a career by tackling the challenges others run from.
In this candid conversation, she shares why embracing difference is a superpower, not a setback; how to lead authentically in industries where women are still the minority; and what must now change to make the future of work truly equitable.
A must-attend session for anyone ready to rewrite the rules of leadership.
Mariella Frostrup is one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters and columnists. Her contribution to arts and literature along with her advocacy on gender and social issues have placed her at the forefront of the cultural landscape. She made the ground-breaking BBC1 documentary The Truth about Menopause and she currently presents her own daily show on Times Radio covering issues of the day.
Robyn Grew is CEO of Man Group, a global alternative investment management firm with USD 168.6 billion* assets under management that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. As CEO, she leads the firm’s Executive Committee and is an executive director on the Man Group Board.
Since joining Man Group in 2010 through its acquisition of GLG, Robyn has served as Group COO, Head of ESG, General Counsel and, prior to becoming CEO in 2023, President. Robyn led Man Group’s corporate reorganisation in 2019 and has also spearheaded the firm’s diversity programme to ensure the firm attracts the best talent.
Robyn has worked in the investment industry since 1994. Previously, she held senior global positions at investment banks in London, New York and Tokyo, including Barclays Capital and Lehman Brothers, as well as what is now the ICE Futures Europe exchange. She is a qualified barrister and member of the Standards Board for Alternative Investment (SBAI) Board of Trustees

12.20PM | Mind the Gap: Pay, Pensions & The True Cost of Inequality

The pay gap is just the beginning. Every missed promotion, every unequal bonus, every year spent out of the workforce caring for others—it all adds up. And by the time women reach retirement, they’re not just behind, they’re locked out of financial security.This urgent session lifts the lid on the full economic cost of inequality. We’ll examine how inequity in pay, power, and participation continues to undermine women’s lifelong earning potential and long-term financial wellbeing.Expect sharp insights, bold ideas, and real-world solutions. We’ll spotlight what leading employers are doing to close the gaps in salary, savings, and support, and explore what it really takes to build a fairer future for working women.Because when women lose out, the whole economy takes a hit.
Lucy Brown is a senior leader at Mercer, where she plays a pivotal role in advising global organisations on people strategy, with a particular focus on closing gaps in skills, health and wealth. Passionate about driving equitable outcomes, Lucy works with clients to embed inclusive practices that support long-term business success. With a background in consultancy and a deep understanding of workforce transformation, she helps organisations prepare for the future of work. Lucy is a champion of gender equity and a regular speaker on topics ranging from financial wellbeing to inclusive leadership. She is based in London and sits on several advisory boards.
Sue Duke is the Vice President of Global Public Policy & Economic Graph at LinkedIn and serves as the Country Manager for LinkedIn Ireland. Since joining LinkedIn in 2014, she has led initiatives focusing on skill gaps, AI, talent migration, and gender parity. Previously, she was Head of Public Policy at Google Ireland and served as a special advisor to Ireland's Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources. Duke holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Cambridge. Appointed as LinkedIn Ireland's Country Manager in July 2023, she continues to champion inclusive hiring and skills-based growth strategies
Jill celebrates 26yrs at Scottish Widows this year, having spent most of this time in and around Workplace Pensions. Most recently Jill took on the role as Head of Workplace Strategic Relationships, building relationships with financial advisers, consultancies, and workplace clients. Previous roles include interim Head of Workplace Relationships, and Partnership Director.
Jill has a long-standing passion for financial equality, and is Co-Chair of the Sottish Widows Women in Retirement workstream.

2.00PM | Holding Power to Account: Ministers in the Hot Seat

Governments shape the system – but are they truly showing up for gender equity? We invite UK Government Ministers to respond directly with real answers to the questions business leaders want answered. What policies are working to close the gender pay gap? What’s not? And where is real accountability going to come from? This session puts ministers on the spot to provide real answers - not just soundbites.

12.50AM | Networking Lunch

A chance to take stock, refuel, and connect with speakers, colleagues, and new allies.

2.40PM | Womens Health & The Bottom Line: Tackling the economic impact of health inequality

Too often, women’s health is sidelined under-researched, underfunded, and misunderstood. But the cost of that neglect isn’t just personal. It’s economic.From menstrual health to menopause, fertility to chronic conditions, the gaps in healthcare access, diagnosis, and support are driving women out of the workforce and holding businesses back. In this essential session, we’ll unpack the real price of health inequality - lost productivity, missed potential, and rising attrition - and ask what it takes to build workplaces where women can truly thrive.Our speakers will share bold strategies for change, including how forward-thinking employers are putting women’s health on the agenda and unlocking both wellbeing and business value in the process. A 2024 McKinsey Health Institute study estimates that addressing the women’s health gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.Investing in women’s health isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a business imperative.
Lucy is a Senior Partner in McKinsey’s Boston office. Lucy has 15+ years of experience advising CEOs and top teams at leading pharma, biotech and life sciences companies globally on growth strategy, innovation, sustainability, and organizational transformation. Lucy is the Global Leader of the McKinsey Health Institute and a leader in our Life Sciences and Healthcare practices. Lucy is a Board member of MassBio, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and the Aspen Institute Latinos in Society program.
Dame Lesley Regan is Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Imperial College London at St Mary's Hospital Campus where she continues her clinical practice in Reproductive Medicine. As Past President RCOG, she led the "Better for Women" report, published in December 2019, which shone a spotlight on taboo topics such as poor access to contraception, abortion, period problems, menopause and domestic violence and abuse. The key recommendation of this hard hitting report was the urgent need for an NHS-led Women's Health Strategy.
In 2020, Lesley was awarded a DBE for her services to Women’s health in the late Queen's New Years Honours list. In June 2022 she was appointed Women's health Ambassador for England to help implementation of the DHSC's Women's Health Strategy.

3.10PM | The Future of Work: Who’s Leading the Way?

AI, automation, hybrid models – work is changing fast. But who’s shaping the future? This session explores how inclusion can be hardwired into our systems and technologies from day one – so tomorrow’s workplace doesn’t replicate yesterday’s bias.

3.40PM | Coffee & Networking Break

Grab a hot drink and power through the final sessions.

4:00PM | The Nine-Billion-Dollar Question: How Do Great Leaders Win Differently?

Greg Jackson doesn’t do corporate jargon. He doesn’t do empty pledges or tick-box diversity initiatives. As the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, the UK’s biggest energy supplier, he’s proven that doing the right thing isn’t just good PR – it’s sound business. Greg has built one of the few companies in WiW Gender Equity Measure (GEM) to have no gender pay gap, over 50% female leadership, and shared parental leave as standard. In his dynamic session, Greg will share how equity became a competitive advantage for this $9bn company.
Greg Jackson is the founder of Octopus Energy Group, the global energy and technology company driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Launched in 2016, the Group now serves 7.2 million customers across 18 countries, and operates a £6bn portfolio of renewable energy assets across Europe.
Octopus drives the tech-enabled green energy transition, innovating relentlessly to make energy better for consumers and the planet. Kraken, Octopus’s proprietary green tech platform, is at the heart of the Group’s growth and is now contracted to serve over 40 million accounts across the globe, with further 10 million to follow soon.
Greg is a serial tech entrepreneur and has built and sold a number of successful businesses before starting Octopus. He is an angel investor in a wide range of start-ups, and is a key thought leader in the UK on issues related to energy transition, energy costs and innovation.

4:30PM | The Last Word: Turning Insight into Action

We close not just with applause, but with real action. A rousing final reflection on what we’re taking forward – and how we turn insight into real, measurable change.

5:00PM | Closing Reception: Cocktails, Canapés & Conversation

After a day of bold discussions and fresh insights, let’s keep the momentum going.Join us for cocktails, canapés, and conversation – because some of the best ideas (and collaborations) happen after hours.

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